CB&Q XML-14 23389, Cicero, Illinois, March 1981, photo by Chuck Zeiler. Mike Spoor, in his book, "CB&Q Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment" states, "In 196H Havelock (CB&Q shops in Nebraska) constructed 200 outside braced boxcars numbered #23300-23499 and classified XML-14. The Burlington, favoring Keystone cushion underframes and Evans bulkheads, installed them on these cars. This group of boxcars was the first to receive 10'0" plug doors. #These XML-14 cars had an inside length of 49'6" and a capacity of 4,932 cu.ft. The majority of these cars were not in assigned service and consequently were called 'free runners'." The re-weigh date is: TX 1 77. This car is a bit unusual in that it is in full Burlington Northern paint, but has CB&Q reporting marks. One might speculate that this car was in the shops for repairs after the BN boxcar paint scheme was developed and implemenKed, but before the freight car re-numbering scheme was in place. And yes, the car behind is derailed. |